Chicago White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is continuing what he started last season by making a donation to the National Parkinson Foundation for every home run he hits. Out of the Park for Parkinson’s was created last season by Beckham in partnership with the National Parkinson Foundation and he is asking fans to join him for every homer in donation to the cause.
Last season $60,000 was brought in for the successful campaign and he hopes to bring even more in for the 2011 season. Gordon and his family have dealt with Parkinson’s first hand as his grandfather has had the disease for the last decade. He hopes to create more awareness for the disease, as there is yet no known cure.
All proceeds from the campaign will benefit the National Parkinson Foundation; a non-profit organization that funds research, outreach programs and education to improve the lives of those who are living with the disease. Parkinson’s disease is second amongst neurodegenerative diseases after Alzheimer’s with an estimated one million Americans, and four to six million-affected worldwide.
Fans can support Gordon Beckham by visiting www.outofthepark.org to make a one-time donation or a “Per Home Run Pledge” in support of every home run Beckham hits during the course of the season.
Gordon Beckham is a perfect example of a pro athlete taking advantage of the sport they love to make a difference in the lives of so many people. Through Out of the Park for Parkinson’s, he is demonstrating the positive and important impact professional sports can have on our world, making sports more than just a pastime.
To find out more about Out of the Park for Parkinson’s, visit www.outofthepark.org
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